Don't Turn Around Read Online Free PDF Page A

police officers knocking on his door.

    T he domestic incident in custody was dealt with relatively quickly. After meticulously cleaning her desk, Jennifer used the spare time to do some digging on Johnny Mallet. ‘It states on intel he has a girlfriend. Fancy paying her a visit?’ She lifted an eyebrow at Will, averting her eyes from the coffee stains that had returned to his desk by magic.
    ‘Only if you promise to help me with my paperwork later on. It’s all right for you, starting here with a fresh slate. Some of my files are so old they’re growing mould.’
    Jennifer grinned, her dimples breaking out. ‘Will, you’ve been behind on your paperwork for as long as I’ve known you.’
    ‘Best I stay and get on with it then.’
    Jennifer rolled her eyes. ‘OK, I’ll help you. Johnny’s due to sign on at the nick, so if we go now he won’t be with her.’
    ‘Well, just call it up and make control aware where we’re going. The last thing I want is a showdown with one of Mike Stone’s cronies if he decides to pay a visit.’
    ‘Yes, boss.’ Jennifer saluted Will as she took her radio to attach their callsigns to the address. It meant that if they ran into trouble, control would know exactly where they were.

    A brisk winter wind whirled from the thickening clouds as they walked to the flat. ‘I don’t know why we couldn’t have taken the car,’ Will said, dragging his feet over the foot-worn pavement.
    ‘Stop moaning, we’re nearly there. Besides, you could do with the exercise.’
    ‘Bloody cheek, I’ll have you know I’m in very good shape.’
    ‘Yeah,’ Jennifer giggled, ‘round is a shape.’ Will opened his mouth to retort but was interrupted by a gang of kids sitting on the wall outside the dingy block of flats where they were heading.
    Leers of ‘I smell bacon’ came from a boy with dirty blond hair sitting next to a skinny girl in emo clothing. Jennifer had dealt with him for drug offences in the past and he had not forgotten her face.
    Jennifer leaned over him. ‘And I smell dope. So if you’re still here when I come out, I’ll be stop-searching you both for drugs.’
    The boy drew his breath and stubbed out the roll up with his shoe. ‘All right babe, chill out. We’re going.’
    ‘Yeah? And pull your pants up while you’re at it!’ Jennifer shouted as they swaggered up the street.
    Will grinned and swept his hand forward to allow Jennifer through the front door of the building. ‘After you madam, the trade buzzer appears to be working.’
    ‘It’s a long time since a tradesman has graced this dive,’ Jennifer mumbled.
    Will took the lead, climbing up the cement steps to the tune of rap music blaring obscenities from a neighbouring flat. Jennifer hovered her hand over the sticky metal banisters, only daring to touch them if absolutely necessary.
    The door of number fourteen displayed the telltale indentations of a police enforcer, the battering ram also known as ‘the big red key.' She knocked hard on the door and it creaked open.
    ‘Hello,’ she said, poking her head through the door. ‘Anyone home?’
    A skinny woman with wiry blonde hair shuffled towards them, her long painted toenails poking out of the holes in her mismatched socks. Jennifer thought it strange that it was the first thing she noticed, when she should have been looking for concealed weapons or drugs. She guessed from the intel picture it was Shelly. Her low-cut top displayed her prominent chest bones and was decorated with several brassy necklaces that disappeared in the gap between her breasts.
    ‘If you’ve come looking for money, I ain’t got none,’ she cawed.
    Will took a step forward and flashed his warrant card. ‘Police. We just want to ask you some questions.’
    The woman waved them into the gloomy room. Will and Jennifer silently followed behind her. Without a warrant, Shelly was perfectly entitled to make them leave. Jennifer chose her steps carefully to avoid the empty beer cans and